Rory Lewis: Portrait & Headshot Photographer

I’m thrilled to share my latest portrait commission from the British Army, featuring General Sir Patrick Sanders, KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC Gen, who has served as Chief of the General Staff since June 2022. This marks my third portrait for the esteemed gallery of British Army leaders, joining my previous works of General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith and General Sir Nicholas Carter.

Since 2014, I have had the immense privilege of photographing the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, capturing the rich history and pageantry of this iconic unit. my work has chronicled the evolution of the regiment, revealing the faces and stories that continue to define this elite corps of mounted soldiers.

I am immensely grateful to Army&You magazine for featuring my latest work with the British Army in their esteemed publication. The journey of 'Soldiery' has been a profound odyssey, intertwining history, artistry, and the rich tapestry of the modern British Army. Over the span of two dedicated years, I crisscrossed the nation, visiting 26 diverse regiments, each with their own unique traditions, uniforms, and heritage.

As a photographer deeply passionate about capturing the essence of history and tradition through portraiture, my recent collaboration with The Royal Lancers (Queen Elizabeth's Own) was an incredibly inspiring journey. Immersed in the rich heritage and timeless values of this esteemed regiment, I embarked on a mission to create evocative table scenes that would pay homage to their legacy.

In the illustrious world of military portraiture, Rory Lewis stands as the foremost photographer, specializing in capturing the essence of military personnel through his lens. Having previously photographed distinguished leaders like General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith and General Sir Nicholas Carter, Rory embarked on another prestigious project – capturing the commanding presence of General Patrick Sanders, the Chief of the General Staff.

Los Angeles-based portrait photographer Rory Lewis has achieved a remarkable milestone in his photography career as his project, 'Soldiery,' finds a permanent home in the prestigious National Army Museum in London. Celebrating two decades in the industry, Lewis' 'Soldiery' is a testament to his dedication and talent as a portraitist.

Rory Lewis is pleased to donate a series of portraits to The Rifles Museum. Situated in the heart of the Winchester Military Quarter, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the story of the largest infantry regiment of the British Army.

Thank you to Lauren Scott Editor of Digital Camera World, interviewing me about my transgender Military Project.

On the first day of the year, 2023, twenty countries allowed transgender military personnel to serve openly. In 2014, the British Army granted transgender people permission to serve openly in its military forces.

A company of the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry took up the temporary role of mounting the QuA company of the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry took up the temporary role of mounting the Queen’s Guard at Buckingham Palace last month. The honour usually falls to the British Army’s Household Division. een’s Guard at Buckingham Palace last month.

Delighted to be commissioned by The Queens’ Gurkha Engineers, to capture a series of portraits. The Queens' Gurkha Engineers are currently located with 36 Engineer Regiment in Maidstone, Kent, UK. Like all Gurkha units it is manned with Nepali soldiers, and Nepali and British Officers.

Soldiery British Army Portraits appeared at an event in London on Monday 21st October 2019. My guests included His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, KG, GCMG, GCVO, CD, ADC, General Sir James Everard, KCB, CBE NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Gavin Williamson CBE MP and minsters from Government and Senior Military Personnel.

Delighted to receive a commission from 1st Battalion Welsh Guards in Windsor to capture portraits of C/O & Senior Warrant Officers. The Welsh Guards was formed in 1915 by order of King George V. Over the course of their 100+ year history, they have distinguished themselves both on and off the battlefield, and have taken part in almost every British Army campaign since World War I. The Welsh Guards are Wales’s Senior Infantry Regiment with a formidable reputation forged throughout the last century.

Portrait of Britain is presented by British Journal of Photography. Photographer Rory Lewis portrait of British Army Officer Lieutenant Batts has been selected. The first female combat officer and tank commander in British History. The historic move comes after a long-standing ban on women serving on the frontline was lifted by the PM in July 2018.

Forged in the adversity of World War I, the Royal Tank Regiment (RTR) is the oldest tank unit in the world. After two years, I returned to the Regiment to capture a new series of portraits.

Delighted to work with Lieutenant General James Bashall CBE, who commissioned a military portrait sitting at his Headquarters in Aldershot. A tall and imposing man, Lieutenant General Bashall was a hero of the Iraq War. He commanded the 1st Mechanised Brigade in Basra, in 2007. 

The subjects of my first photoshoot, where the Soldiers of 1st Battalion, The Rifles. I discovered little has changed since the Napoleonic Wars. The Rifles, are still at the forefront of battle, trained as marksmen. They don’t carry a flag. Instead, their Battle Honours are carried on Parade uniforms.

A recent portrait commission from The Royal Regiment of Scotland to capture Major General Bob Bruce CBE, DSO. The General posed in his uniform as Colonel of The Royal Regiment of Scotland. 

‘Soldiery‘ British Army Portraits, has given me a great deal of exposure. Since the completion of the project I have been offering portraits to Military and Police personnel. One of my latest commissions took place with Gurkha Engineer, Captain Buddhi Bhandari MVO, who recently won the Royal Victorian Order for brave actions during the recent Nepal Earthquake.

Thank you to Sarah Roberts interviewing me for The British Journal of Photography, we spoke about my recent projects and winning The Portrait of Britain. See the full interview transcript below.

Thank you to BBC News Defence correspondent Jonathan Beale, who attended the opening of Soldiery British Army Portraits on 31st January 2018 at the National Army Musuem. Taking the time to interview myself and several of the sitters. Please see full transcript below.